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Texas A&M hires Notre Dame defensive coordinator

Mike Elko (Blue and Gold/Rivals)

Notre Dame’s Mike Elko said yes to Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, Thursday, and will join the Aggie coaching staff as its new defensive coordinator.

Fisher had tried to hire LSU’s Dave Aranda, Wednesday. But Aranda opted to stay in Baton Rouge and accept a fully guaranteed contract that pays $2.5 million a year. LSU coach Ed Orgeron confirmed the news that Aranda was staying late Wednesday.

Elko’s defense at Notre Dame ranked 46th nationally this past season. For an analysis of the Irish defense, click here.

Elko, 40, has coordinated defenses at Hofstra, Bowling Green and Wake Forest. He was in South Bend for only one season. He played collegiately at Penn.

Texas A&M has had significant issues with its defense for much of the time its spent in the SEC.

This season the Aggies ranked 78th nationally in total defense, allowing 408 yards per game. That was an improvement over 2016, when A&M allowed 441.8 yards.

Fisher did not retain John Chavis, who had been A&M’s defensive coordinator for the past three seasons.